New York State has announced that the 2025-2026 Regular benefit component and the Heating Equipment Repair and Replacement (HERR) benefit component will close tomorrow, April 10, 2026, at 5pm.
All applications submitted online, or postmarked and received on or before the deadline will be processed. Households are encouraged to submit an application prior to this Friday’s deadline.
The application period for the 2025-2026 Cooling Assistance benefit will open on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. NYS OTDA will provide an update on a definitive closing date.
Applications for the Cooling Assistance benefit can be submitted electronically through ACCESS HRA, in-person, by mail, or by phone. Paper applications can be downloaded from our HEAP webpage.
Eligible households receive a cooling benefit of up to $800 for the purchase and installation of a fan or window air conditioner, or up to $1,000 for a wall sleeve unit. If an air conditioning unit cannot be installed safely, a fan will be provided. Benefits are provided on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants. Applicants are only eligible for a Cooling Assistance Benefit once every five years.
For additional details on the program and how to apply, visit our dedicated HEAP webpage here.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership, and for all that you do every day to help New Yorkers in need.
Sincerely,
Office of Community Outreach
NYC Department of Social Services
